The Lagos Seaports and Marine Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has rescued five victims of human trafficking at the Pashi checkpoint in Badagry Local Government Area of the state.

At a news conference, Comptroller Mohammed Saddiq, in charge of the command, noted that the victims were intercepted alongside one Blessing Anireta, 26, without any means of identity or livelihood.

According to Mr Saddiq, the command received the five persons suspected to be victims of human trafficking on August 23 at about 9:30 a.m.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that three of the victims who hail from Abia, Akwa Ibom Plateau states were transported from their respective locations through the point of embarkation under the pretext of getting them legitimate employment in Mali, Benin Republic and Cote d’ Ivoire.

“In their separate statements, the unsuspecting first-time travellers, all female, said they were connected to a member of the syndicate in Lagos who coordinated all transportation arrangements to the intended countries of destination.

“As at the time of the press briefing, the suspect is still at large. But we are on the trail with a view to apprehending him and other members of the syndicate,” he said.

The immigration boss said while recounting their ordeal, two victims, who accompanied Ms Anireta from Delta State, testified that they were lured into embarking on the journey without their parents’ consent.

He noted that they further confirmed they were on their way to Mali when they were arrested by personnel on patrol at the Pashi checkpoint.

“Upon profiling, it was further established that Anireta facilitated the unsuccessful journey with the intent to engage her companions in prostitution in their country of destination.

“The victims, whose ages range between 15 and 23, will, at the end of the session, be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) alongside the arrested suspects for further investigation,” he said.

One victim, a 23-year-old lady from Port Harcourt, said she was introduced by her neighbour, who disclosed how they assisted her sister-in-law in getting an opportunity in the movie industry.

Another victim, a 17-year-old who just finished her senior secondary West Africa Examination Council exams, said she got wind of the journey with the prospect of a job opportunity through her friend.

(NAN)